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Girls fall from ride at Andover funfair

A FUNFAIR visit turned into a nightmare when three girls fell from a ride in Andover.

The incident took place at Vigo Recreation Ground during the popular annual Andover Carnival, while the procession was winding through the streets towards the park on Sunday afternoon.

Eyewitness Jackie Sharp said: “It was a very scary experience, and one that I hope never to see again.

“The ride continued after the girls had fallen, and everyone was shouting at the operator to stop the ride. I believe the operator was either in shock or unaware as to what had happened.

“I called for an ambulance while my partner went over to check on the girls so that we could advise the ambulance operator of any visible injuries.

“Two first aiders then appeared and took over. I’m not sure what happened after that, as my little girl was upset, so we left the park.”

Of the three injured girls, aged 11, 15 and 18, the older two required an ambulance.

The call was received by South Central Ambulance Service at 4.14pm, with two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle sent to the scene. The injured girls were taken to Basingstoke hospital.

The owners of the Music Trip ride have nowhad a prohibition notice served on them which prevents them fromoperating it until safety measures have been taken.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said: “The ride can be taken away from its location but it cannot be used.

“When I spoke to the police inspector dealing with the incident, she said the girls’ injuries were fairly minor and they were back on their feet with just some cuts and bruises.”

Carnival chairman Alun Grace said: “Our thoughts are with the three injured in the accident. We wish them a full and speedy recovery. We are grateful to the emergency services who attended the scene promptly. The fairground ride operators and Andover Carnival will fully co-operate with the HSE and relevant authorities into the investigation.”